Monday, February 28, 2011

About the Book: (from the publisher)Psalm 23 is the best known, best loved, and most quoted chapter in the Bible. Though David, the shepherd-king, wrote it thousands of years ago, it is still relevant today. Numerous people have rephrased this familiar passage to fit their own ideas, life situations, jobs, or nationalities. A few examples are The American Indian Psalm, a Gardener's Psalm, a Child's Psalm, the Seaman's Psalm, the Japanese Psalm, the Teacher's Psalm... This book contains a collection of those paraphrases, gathered by the author over a long period of years, many of them illustrated by dramatic black and white photographs. A second section, "Stories of My Shepherd," is a devotional commentary on the rewards the author has found in her own life under the watch care of the Shepherd, rewards such as redemption, joy, love, hope. Each story is based on a different phrase of Psalm 23. "Only when we place our trust in Jesus the Good Shepherd," she said, "can we claim the promise, 'I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.'" The reader will find a fresh and deeper glimpse of God's love and care and concern for him. This inspiring book, suitable reading for all ages, would be an excellent gift for any occasion.

My Thoughts:

So whether on the hilltops high and fair

I dwell, or in the sunless valley where

The shadows lie – what matters? He is there.

So where he leads me I can safely go;

And in the blest hereafter I shall know

Why in his wisdom he hath led me so.

Above you read the third stanza of a Psalm 23 paraphrase written by John F. Chplain entitled, In Pastures Green?Anne Washburn Morse has collected many and widely varied paraphrases of the 23rd Psalm, and I daresay all of them will cause the reader to examine the truth found in this precious Psalm in fresh and sometimes disturbing ways.

For you see, not all of them are spiritually “healthy” observations.Indeed, one of the most haunting, yet realistic paraphrases was written by a 23-year-old heroin addict.In all instances, where possible, Morse reveals the author of the piece, and sometimes she is able to include a brief history of the inspiration behind the paraphrase.The viewpoints vary from machinist and teacher to addict and materialist, but all paraphrases will cause you to consider the truth and reality of a personal relationship with the Savior.

The verse that I quoted at the beginning of this review has kept me coming back to re-read its truth over and over again. I have found great comfort in the assurance of Christ’s presence no matter how dark the circumstances.I received a copy of this book from my good friend and librarian, Dr. Betty Barrett, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to share this book with you!

About the Author:Anne Washburn Morse, now retired, is a former associate editor of Mississippi's state Baptist newspaper, the Baptist Record. Born in Alabama, she was graduated from Judson College with a major in English. Later she received master's degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, and Mississippi College, Clinton, Mississippi and studied one summer at the University of London.

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Disclaimer

I just wanted to state clearly here on my blog that the books I review are provided to me in exchange for my opinion and thoughts. I am a member of two blog alliances and I work directly with publicists and publishers at their request to review a variety of Christian fiction and non-fiction books. I receive no compensation other than free copies of the books to read, and when a give away is offered, that copy of the book is also provided by the publisher for that exact purpose.

I give my opinions both positively and negatively and will continue to do so as time permits and as I am able. I do this because I love to read and I love to share my thoughts with others who love good books and Christian stories.